A massive winter storm will continue its onslaught of much of the Northeast today, bringing heavy snow, howling winds and bitterly cold temperatures. The worst weather is likely along coastal New England and on Long Island, where blizzard warnings are in effect until late today because of winds forecast to gust to 45 mph. Up to 14 inches of snow is forecast for the Boston area. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced a parking ban and said schools would be closed today in Boston.

Blink and you'll miss it: Quadrantids meteor shower

The Quadrantid meteor shower hits today, but it may not be visible everywhere. The Quadrantids are a tricky shower because they have an extremely short peak, just eight hours. This year they're predicted to peak at 2:30 p.m. ET Friday, meaning they could hit during daylight in most of the United States. Nothing's entirely predictable in nature, however, so it's worth taking a look. If you're in North America and up before dawn, look outside.

Obama faces Friday deadline on birth control mandate

Justice Sonia Sotomayor is at the center of another appeal regarding insurance coverage for birth control under the new health care law. She granted a request from a group of Catholic nuns to block that part of the law.

Bowl games tonight

There are two good bowl games tonight. At the Cotton Bowl, it's No. 13 Oklahoma State vs. No. 9 Missouri. The Orange Bowl pits No. 11 Clemson against No. 6 Ohio State. Follow the action at ncaaf.usatoday.com.

Talks ordered in California brain dead girl case

A federal judge has ordered settlement talks between lawyers for a California hospital and a 13-year-old California girl declared brain dead after tonsil surgery. A federal magistrate will oversee the mandatory talks on Friday between representatives of Children's Hospital Oakland and the family of Jahi McMath, U.S. District Judge Saundra Brown said. Settlement conferences are usually scheduled to expedite court cases or to end them without a trial.